Disk Replacement Surgery

Rubbery disks act like shock absorbers between the vertebrae (bones) that make up your spine. They also allow for movement in your back.

Over time, wear and tear can take a toll on the disks, leading to degenerative disk disease. Sometimes, a herniated disk puts pressure on spinal nerves. Serious accidents or falls also can damage your disks. These situations can cause significant pain.

Disk replacement surgery may help you find relief.

Disk replacement surgery involves removing a damaged disk from your spine and replacing it with an artificial disk. The new disk may be created from metal or a combination of metal and plastic.

This surgery is often an option for damaged disks in your cervical spine or lumbar spine. It may improve your symptoms and lessen your discomfort.

Disk replacement surgery restores the space and cushioning between your vertebrae. It also helps make more room for nerve roots. Returning your spine to a more normal position may reduce your pain.

This surgery may also help you maintain more natural motion between your vertebrae than alternatives, such as spinal fusion surgery. Spinal fusion joins the vertebrae on either side of a damaged disk, healing them into a single bone. For many people, having the extra flexibility offered by disk replacement surgery is an important benefit.

Doctors must identify the cause of your pain to determine whether disk replacement surgery will help relieve your symptoms. Imaging tests can help pinpoint your pain source.

To qualify for surgery, you must have only one or two damaged disks. Usually, doctors will try non-surgical treatments first. But if conservative therapies don’t work, you may be a good candidate for surgery. However, doctors also consider other factors, including your:

• Age
• History of previous spine surgery
• Overall health
• Spine and bone health
• Weight

During surgery, you will receive general anesthesia and be asleep. You won’t feel pain or remember your procedure.

Surgeons will reach your spine through an incision on the front of your body. They carefully move organs to the side and remove your damaged disk. Then, they secure the new disk in place. Surgery usually takes from two to three hours.

Before surgery, you can take several steps to help your procedure go well and have a smooth recovery.

If you use tobacco, it’s a good time to give up the habit. Using tobacco products may delay your healing.

You’ll want to put a support team in place for your return home and recovery. For a while, you’ll need a hand.

Depending on the location of your surgery, you’ll likely spend from one to three days in the hospital. You will have some pain, but we help you manage it.

Your doctor and physical therapist will tell you how active you should be and what activities you should avoid after your surgery. Recovering completely from spinal surgery can take weeks to months. The best way to approach your recovery is with patience and determination. Whether you have a cervical disk replacement or a lumbar disk replacement, following your healthcare team’s instructions is essential. Doing so will help you recover faster and stronger.

With unmatched experience in diagnosing and treating spine pain, your condition will be carefully evaluated by the team of experts at the Spine Center as we work with you to develop a customized treatment plan. Highly skilled and caring providers, plus state-of-the-art technology and treatments, means you’re at the right place for exceptional patient care.

Affiliations with OrthoCincy Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine and Mayfield Brain & Spine ensure you receive the highest possible level of spine care.